A. Many people get animals for the wrong reasons: their friends or neighbors have them, their children have been begging for one, the puppy or kitten is just so cute, etc. Children can quickly lose interest in feeding, bathing, and walking animals and the puppies and kittens quickly become adults. Before you get an animal, don't forget that an animal is a 10-15 year commitment. You need to commit to his/her care for the animal's entire lifetime.

Q. Do you have time for an animal?

A. An animal's needs cannot be ignored just because you are tired or too busy. A dog cannot "hold it" if you often work late into the evening. A puppy cannot be housebroken if you are gone for 8 hours a day. An animal cannot live without love, food, shelter, and exercise. Many animals are taken to animal shelters because people don't realize how much time it takes to exercise and care for them.

Q. Can you afford an animal?

A. Animals can be quite expensive. There is more to consider after the initial cost of the adoption fee. Expected costs such as high quality food, annual checkups and shots, flea and heartworm prevention, toys, grooming, kitty litter, and other supplies add up very quickly. In addition, emergencies and illnesses do happen and you should have an emergency fund set up in case of a medical problem.

Q. Are you prepared to deal with the special problems that only an animal can cause?

A. Fleas, chewed-up and/or scratched furniture, house soiling accidents, barking, digging and unexpected medical emergencies are common problems when owning an animal. Please ask us about any specific questions you may have.

Q. Can you have an animal where you live?

A. If you rent an apartment or a home, make sure that you have permission in writing from the landlord before adopting an animal.

Q. Is it a good time for you to adopt an animal?

A. Be sure that the animal will fit into your lifestyle--your work and leisure schedule, your travel schedule, and your family needs. For instance, if you have an infant or small children, you may want to wait a few years before you adopt a companion. If you are a college student, make sure that you can take the animal with you during the summer and winter breaks. If you are in the military or travel frequently as part of your work, waiting until you settle down may be the best choice.

Q. Are your living arrangements suitable for the animal you have in mind?

A. Choose an animal that will be comfortable in your (and their) surroundings. Adopting a large, energetic dog to share a small apartment may not be a good idea unless you can spend several hours a day exercising your dog.

Q. Where will you keep your animal?

A. Both dogs and cats are healthier and happier when kept mainly indoors. They thrive on companionship and love. Dogs of all breeds are social animals and although they like to play outside for short periods of time they are usually very unhappy when they are kept "outside only". Thus, they develop bad habits like habitual barking, digging, chewing, and fence jumping because they feel rejected by their "pack" (your family). Dogs of all breeds should be kept mainly inside the home as house companions. Cats who are kept as outside animals risk contracting diseases, getting into fights, getting run over by cars or tortured. If you are planning to get a cat, be sure to keep him/her indoors only.

Q. Do you know who will care for your animal while you are away on vacation?

A. An incredible number of people dump their animals at the shelters every summer when they decide to go on vacation. You will need either reliable friends and neighbors or money to pay for a boarding kennel or pet sitting service. Animals are happiest when kept in their home environment while you are on vacation.

Q. Will you be a responsible animal guardian?

A. Having your animal spayed or neutered, obeying community leash and licensing laws, and keeping identification tags on your animals are all part of being a responsible animal guardian. Providing love, companionship, exercise, a healthy diet, and regular veterinary care are essentials.

Q. Are you prepared to keep and care for the animal for his or her entire lifetime?

A. Animals are not disposable items that you can "get rid of." When you adopt an animal, you are making a commitment to care for the animal for his or her lifetime.

Think before you adopt. Go to the internet, library or bookstore and educate yourself about animal care, especially for the type and breed you wish to adopt.

 If you are certain that you are ready and able to commit to an animal, please submit an application for the pet you are interested in adopting. You will receive a confirmation via e-mail that your application has been submitted. If you do not receive a confirmation, send us an e-mail. Please allow 3-5 business days for your application to be processed.

 Once your application has been pre-screened, we will schedule a home visit so you can meet the animal you are interested in. If your application is denied, you will receive an e-mail from us.

 Please feel free to get in touch with the respective foster home in the meantime to get as much information as you can about the animal you want to adopt.

 Once the home visit and the reference checks are complete, the directors of SHARE will make the final decision on the adoption.

 If your application is approved, you will be required to sign a legal and binding adoption contract and pay the adoption donation upon obtaining the animal. Our adoption fee is $135.00 for all dogs that are 7 years and younger and $95.00 for all dogs older than 7 years and $200 for pure breeds. The adoption fee for cats is $95.00. If you are adopting two animals, the adoption fee will be reduced depending on the types and ages of the animals being adopted. This donation goes towards spay/neuter, heartworm testing, FeLV/FIV testing, rabies vaccination, DHLPP and Bordetella or FVRCP vaccination, fecal testing, deworming, micro-chipping, heartworm prevention, flea prevention, leash (dogs only) and collar which every animal receives at time of adoption. We also require a $200.00 deposit for all animals that are too young to be altered before they are placed in a permanent home. The deposit will not be cashed/charged unless proof of sterilization is not provided by the date outlined in the sterilization agreement. This deposit will be refunded as soon as the animal has been spayed/neutered. Many animals require extra medical care including but not limited to emergency boarding, dewormings, flea/tick products, antibiotics, skin scrapes, special food, blood tests and heartworm treatment. Some animals require surgeries and the attention of specialists. These costs are not included in the minimum adoption donations and are absorbed by the rescue. At the time of adoption, we will let you know if the animal you are adopting has incurred any other expenses while it was with us. If you are able to make a supplemental tax deductible donation to help cover those costs, it is greatly appreciated but not required. Below is a schedule that explains the average cost of getting an animal ready for adoption:

 This is not the end of the process. We will follow up on the placement for months to come. This may include home visits, which you will agree to in your contract. We will always be available to help you through any issues that come up. Do expect an adjustment period for you, your family and your new companion. Most animals will not immediately be comfortable, well behaved and housebroken. It takes love, commitment and patience on your part and in return you will get unconditional love and loyalty.